Reviews of new releases,
both from our area and around the world

The Yellowjackets Club Nocturne Four Stars * * * *

Featuring: Kurt Elling, Jonathan Butler, Brenda Russell with the band: Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, Bob Mintzer, and William Kennedy

In the commercial world of the music business there is little room for new sounds, new music, different paths, respect and homage to history, freedom, and individualism. Thankfully, there are still a few "true believers" out there trying to make music and art that have truth and emotion as their main ingredient. Among these "true believers" is the supergroup, "Yellowjackets".

Their new CD entitled "Club Nocturne" features an eclectic mix of new, old, fringe, tradition, and of course, their infectious, funky, swingin' grooves. The fourteenth release features ten songs that are as adventurous as the bands recording career.

"Spirit of the West" is a big slice of Americana featuring Bob Mintzer's lyrical soprano styling's and the nimble chops of bassist Jimmy Haslip. This tune will no doubt find it's way into the new Real Book and give some working musicians something to look forward to when they've played "Misty" for the millionth time.

"Stick-to-it-ive-ness" recalls those great Dave Brubeck albums from the sixties and reminds us the Jackets know their heritage and, at the same time, forge their own place in jazz history with thoughtful tunes such as this one. Keyboardist, Russell Ferrante, shows his considerable jazz and classical chops as well as his writing abilities. It also displays drummer William Kennedy's uncanny ability to make anything groove hard! This one grows on you the more you listen to it.

"Up from New Orleans" nothing but funky. You'll be reaching for the air freshener after this one. With help from jazz vocalist, Kurt Elling, this Mintzer-penned tune pays homage to the jazz fathers and the migration and evolution of jazz music up the Mississippi. And all in a funky, swingin', second-line infested groove that will have you pushing repeat on your player for days. Mintzer's tenor has never sounded more mature.

"The Evening News"-classic Jackets. For those of you who favor "Four Corners" or "Oz", this ones for you with a few new twists. Haslip's new seven string bass and Mintzer's bass clarinet make this one standout against the typical funk tunes found on other less adventurous recordings. And by the way, the solo's burn as usual!

"Even the Pain" is another first for the Jackets. Enlisting the help of South African vocalist, Jonathon Butler and writer, singer, producer, Richard Page (of Mr.Mister fame or The Pages if you remember that far back) they collaborate on this touching, African rhythm laced song of life and death of a friend or loved one. Get your hanky's for this one! Alive with hope and heart---a stellar performance by Butler and Mintzer's soprano. Hopefully, the radio will be good to this one. We can hope.

"Love and Paris Rain" features longtime friend and fellow writer/vocalist Brenda Russell. Brenda's haunting lyrics and vocal performance only enhance this Jackets collaboration that is as deep as Weather Report's "A Remark You Made". If pop music were this good, we'd all quit our day jobs. A nice study in melody and chordal structure for you students out there.

"The Village Church" shows the bands love affair with gospel and all things soulful. Play that thing Bob! Turn the B-3 up! Listen to Haslip's string bends and hear the blues and nothing but the blues.

"Twilight for Nancy" is a beautiful ballad written by Haslip for his lovely wife, Nancy. Guys, you want your wives to fall in love with you all over again, or at least pretend to love you-write this song for her. She won't be able to resist. Once again, the solo's are masterful and deep and are complimented by a gorgeous arrangement.

"Automat" is the most adventurous of the tunes on the recording and will keep you coming back to it finding new things you didn't hear the last time you listened to it. The mark of a great piece of music. Again this tune shows the writing talents of Ferrante and Haslip and features Mintzer on both tenor and soprano and Ferrante on acoustic piano-a real one for a change. How refreshing.

"All is Quiet" is my favorite tune on the album at the present and represents the bands desire to respect the past and reach to the future. A moving, free ballad featuring the voice of Kurt Elling and the pensive playing of the whole band.

Don't be fooled into thinking there's no good music out there anymore. It's there and when you find it, you better support it. This is one of those rare-find recordings and I urge you to buy it knowing that you'll enjoy it for a long time to come. "Club Nocturne" is the real thing and so are the Jackets.